Truck sales slow in Europe

The latest data shows sales of new trucks continuing to fall in the EU, though the drop in May was less pronounced than in April

Fresh registration data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) reveals that 136,410 new commercial vehicles rolled off showroom floors in the month of May, but while that’s still a massive number compared to 3777 new units registered here in Australia, it’s also a 17.7 per cent drop over the same month last year.

However, it is a slower rate of contraction than the previous month – in April new EU truck registrations were down a hefty 27.1%. And while truck and bus sales both experienced some growth, it was a significantly shrinking van segment that brought about the negative overall result.

Five months into 2022, new truck registrations in the EU are down by 19.8% over the previous corresponding period, thanks in large part to poor performance in both March and April. All the major markets in the region experienced contractions, with Spain down by 31.2%, France by 22.3%, Germany by 17.1%, and Italy by 8.2%.

Light commercial vehicles (up to 3.5t)

At the lighter end of the commercial vehicle spectrum, the LCV segment shrank by 22.1% in May compared to the same month last year, with a total of 108,355 new units registered. The figure brings the year-to-date tally to 538,444 units, which is 23.3% down over the same period last year.

Heavy commercial vehicles (16t and over)

In contrast to light vehicles, the heavy segment expanded by 8.0% in May with a total of 21,896 units. Spain was down by 4.6% but Germany was up by 2.4%, while France and Italy both recorded double-digit gains (up 14.6 and 14.3% respectively).

The growth in May was not enough, however, to offset an overall negative performance year-to-date, the segment down 0.4% over the first five months of last year. While France and Spain are both up (by 5.3% and 1.8% respectively), Germany and Italy were down (by 4.0% and 1.8% respectively).

Medium and heavy commercial vehicles (over 3.5t)

Registrations of new medium and heavy commercial vehicles grew by 3.6% in May, for a total of 25,603 units, with Italy up by 10.7% and France up by 9.1%. Germany and Spain both fell, however – by 4.8% and 4.6% respectively.

The year-to-date tally for the segment now stands at 123,834 vehicles, which is down 3.1% over last year. Germany was the biggest drag on the niche, its new registrations down by 8.3%, while Spain was up by 1.5% and France was up marginally by 0.8%).

Medium and heavy buses and coaches (over 3.5t)

A total of 2452 new medium and heavy buses and coaches were registered in the EU in May, the figure equating with impressive growth of 32.8%. The number also contributes to overall year-to-date growth of 5.6% for the segment.

Looking ahead

While the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic appears behind Europe – in terms of fatalities, if nothing else – with inflation rampant, rising interest rates, soaring fuel and energy costs, ongoing supply chain issues, and the prospect of a protracted conflict in Ukraine, the promise of economic stability across the European Union remains elusive, to say the least.